--- PER APPROFONDIRE L’ARGOMENTO: opposite vs. across ---

The prepositions opposite and across from typically mean the same thing: on the other side of (something or someone). In the sentences below, for example, either one of these two prepositions can be used, without a change in meaning.

She sat across from / opposite me at the table.

The restaurant is across from / opposite the high school.

We live across from / opposite a park.

However, there is a context in which the preposition opposite has a different meaning. In written or spoken language about plays or movies, opposite can mean “in a play or movie with (another actor)” as in this example:

She appears opposite Clint Eastwood in her latest movie.

Finally, be aware that unlike across from, opposite is not always a preposition. It often functions as an adjective or a noun, as in these examples:

The two boys lived on opposite sides of the street. (opposite is an adjective describing sides)